Electrolytic treating apparatus



June 24, 1952 L. E. LANCY I 2,601,535

ELECTROLYTIC TREATING APPARATUS led Aug. 9, 194a i 7 Sheets-Sheet 1NVENTOR sLie E- Lan L. E. LANCY ELECTROLYTIC TREATING APPARATUS June 24,1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 9, 1948 \m U 0 m6 MG \M mm m mm Om m m0m h m as? INVENTOR [:sLie Lanc/ E .m h K June 24, 1952 L, E, LAN'C2,601,535

ELECTROLYTIC TREATING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 9, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 4 2230 3/ 22 24 4 F4)-. a 2%; L iii 1 INVENTOR LesLl'e E. P

June 24, 1952 E LAN 2,601,535

ELECTROLYTIC TREATING APPARATUS (-93 0 c. WWV

INVENTOR Les Lie 5 LEI 2w WCOJi/W 777% kg Hmrne Vi June24, 1952 1.. E.LANCY 2,601,535

ELECTROLYTIC TREATING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 9, 1948 7 SheesSheet 6 June24, 1952 LANCY 2,601,535

ELECTROLYTIC TREATING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 9, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 l aF INVENTOR 6 Leslie 5.1-311 1)! .rectangular framework of the racks.

Patented June 24, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Claims.

This invention relates to the electrolytic treating of articles such astubes, tubular of formed shapes, rods, extrusions, sheets, wire, screen,etc., and particularly, to the treating of articles having a length orextent such that they cannot be readily treatedin a conventional manner.My invention is of a special importance in connection with the treatmentof tubular lengths.

Previous to my present invention, one method has been to advancearticles through a treatment bath by a series of sweeping devices thatemploy moving fingers and guide channels. In accordance with thisprocedure, the articles rest loosely on the guide channels and areadvanced therealong by a progressive series of rotating sweepfingers.

In accordance with another method, a currentcarrying conveyor is usedfor moving detachable, article-holding, rectangular metal racks througha treatment bath. A plurality of such independent racks are provided andwork articles are manually mounted within the periphery of the The racksare then manually hung from the carrier. At the completion of thetreating operation, the racks are manually removed from the carrier andthe treated articles manually removed from the racks. Thus, at least twomen are needed at each end of the treatment bath. It will be appreciatedthat this is a time and labor consuming procedure. Also, such aprocedure is disadvantageous from an electrical efficiency standpoint.That is, the portions of a rack or other supporting structure for thework articles that are submerged in the bath during the treatmentoperation will, themselves, be acted upon by or will influence theaction of the treating bath. The rack extends along a lower side of thework article in'the bath and portions of the rack below the article tendto mask or prevent a free flow of electrical charges about peripheralsides of the article. If the operation is a cleaning operation, then thesubmerged portions of the rack will be gradually eaten away, and if theoperation is a plating operation, the submerged portions of the rackwill take up coating material. Even if such a rack could be made ofdielectric material, I have determined that its lower vertical portionsand its transverse connection portion would tend .to shade the treatmentof the work article.

Basket as well as slab types of electrodes have been used by thoseskilled in the art. Slab electrodes mustv be cast into a certain shapeand at least portions of the structure must be then torn down and thesolution removed from the bath container to replace them. Heretofore, abasket type of electrode has only been used where a gravity flow of itsball elements has been possible and its feed end can be located abovethe bath level. Thus, when a horizontal electrode is required, it hasbeen customary to use a slab type.

In accordance with my procedure, the articles are carried by a pair oftransversely-aligned, electricalcurrent-carrying arms which hold thearticles adjacent their opposite ends. Such arms are rigidly orintegrally mounted upon a conveyor apparatus which includes a pair oftransversely-spaced-apart conveyors. Such conveyors are synchronized forsimultaneous operation, in order that the arms of one conveyor may bealigned and kept in alignment with transverselyopposite arms of theother conveyor during the movement of the apparatus. Thearticle-carrying arms may be an integral or rigid part of the pair ofconveyors. Such conveyor apparatus is insulated electrically from thearms. Each arm of a pair of cooperating arms extends or projectsadjacent opposite sides of the apparatus, and is in substantialalignment with an end portion of a work article being carried. There isno masking of current flow through the treating solution to the workarticle below its point of support, or as to its outer side periphery.

In accordance with my invention, masking is practically eliminated, bothfrom the standpoint of support arms interposed in the path of movementof current through the bath to surface portions of the work articlesthat are to be treated, as well as from the standpoint of electrolyticaction upon such support arms.

These and other conventional procedures have a number of disadvantageousfeatures which limit their application and use, which complicate theapparatus employed, which are inefficient or wasteful in thetransmission of electric energy, which limit sizes and shapes that maybe treated, which tend to mask or cover at least a portion of thesurface of the articles that are to be coated or treated, and which makeit difiicult and expensive to replace or renew the electrodes that arelocated in the treatment bath.

I have been able to, in accordance with my invention, eliminate thedisadvantageous fea-- tures of prior procedure and apparatus by anentirely new approach to the problems involved. I have been able tosolve the problems heretofore presented by the art in question, toovercome the limitations as to the size and shape or articles to betreated, and to simplify the overall construction and operation of theapparatus and to provide an improved efficiency of electrolytictreatment. Although for the purpose of describing my invention, I willparticularly-show appae. ratus and procedure as applied to membershaving a relatively long, tubular extent, it will be apparent that theprinciples of my invention may be applied to any suitable shape or sizeof article which is to be conditioned or treated. The arrangement ofapparatus is now such that shading of current flow to the articles beingtreated is substantially eliminated, a more effici nt and practical, aswell as a simplified construction and maintenance of the equipment maybe effected, and the overall treatment procedure is materiallyspeeded-up.

In accordance with my invention, the work objects, pieces, or articlesmaybe continuously subjected to treatment while they are being carriedthrough a treatment cycle or zone in a substantially horizontalposition.

Optimum electrode spacing and ease of handling through anumber oftreatment cycles follows as a result of my invention. That is, it is nowpossible to treat a continuous succession of work objects or articles ata high current density and in such a manner that the treating solutionis concentrated over the full desired surface area ofthe work articlesand that losses in transmitting current from bus bars to the articlesare greatly minimized. Relatively large amounts of current can bedelivered directly to the articles, i

due in part at least, to relatively large contact surfaces and to moredirect and intimate contacts between the current-carrying bus bars andthe work articles. The lack of obstructions, like guides, tracks, etc.,provides complete freedom in effecting the most suitable location andreplenishment of the bath electrodes. The apparatus employed lendsitself perfectly to automatic loading and unloading systems and can beincorpog;

rated as a unit of a material handling system to receive the workarticles for treatment and to deliver them as processed. One or moreelectrolytic and processing treatment units can also be readilyconnected in series by continuous conveying mechanism.

Briefly summarized, the articles to be treated are picked up by acontinuously moving conveyor apparatus which, itself, need not becurrentcarrying. This. conveyor apparatus is provided with a pair oftransversely spaced-apart continuous conveyors and each conveyor isprovided with a series of outwardly-projecting and longitudinallyspaced-apart arms. This arrangement provides a plurality of pairs ofsubstantially horizontally or transversely-spaced-apart andsubstantially aligned arms which are moved by the conveyor apparatusalong current-carrying bus bars, and are providedwith fingers, hooks,

etc., constructed and arranged to pick up a work article or a pluralityof articles at one end of the treatment apparatus, for example, from aconveying mechanism. The article is positively carried through thetreatment bath, is supplied with current during such movement, and isdischarged at the other end of the treatment bath on a conveyingmechanism, for example. The fingers, contactors, hooks, or workarticle-carrying elements of the arms are preferablypositioned to engagethe article adjacent opposite ends thereof. The engagement is effectedin such a manner that current is efiiciently carried to the workarticles and without materially masking or shading surface areas of thearticles which are to be treated. For example, in the illustratedembodiments, the article-holding elements which are also electriccontactor elements, engage opposite ends of the article and extend intothe interior thereof.

Cam mechanism is provided for periodically separating thearticle-holding or contactor elements in accordance with the position ofthe conveying system, in order to, as previously pointed out,automatically pick up the articles and automatically deliver them aftertreatment.

In accordance with my invention, I also provide a longitudinallyextending, current-carrying common or main bus bar for the bathelectrodes and mount a spaced series of drop frames on such main bus barwhich are directly connected to the bath electrodes. The main bus bar,as well as the drop'frames and the various connections may be of ahighly conductive metal such as copper. The drop frames arelongitudinally spaced-apart, and each frame has a transversely-extendingbus bar and a .plurality of transversely-spacedsapart,vertically-extending bus bars secured thereto and to the electrodes. Thenumber of individual frames may correspond substantially to the numberof electrodes and in spacing to the spacing of such electrodes. In thisconnection, in an ordinary galvanizing procedure, I have successfullyemployed a frame spacing of about 5 feet. Line drop of current beingcarried is practically nil. Although, Iprefer to employ a plurality ofsuitably positioned electrodes, my conveyor apparatus can also beemployed where the container, itself, is an electrode.

I have also provided an improved type of electrode having replaceableelements which maybe utilized where both of its end portions are underthe level of the treating fluid orliquid and where full gravity movementof electrode elements. is not possible or practical. Contrary to beliefof those skilled in the art, a flexible type of electrode can besuccessfully used, even where the electrode support or housing must befed through a portion of the depth of the fluid level of the treatmentbath and even where-full gravitymovement of its elements not practical.I am able to use a flexible or a basket type of electrodeof a suitableshapeandto locate it in any suitable location for mosteflicient=treating-action within the treatment bath.

Another important feature of my invention rests upon the fact thatconveyor apparatus for moving work articles'through the treatment zoneor bath is not, itself, current conducting. The conveyor apparatuscarries a minimum arm structure for supporting the work articles andsuch structure is, itself, securedtothe conveyor apparatus for movementthereby. The arm structure cooperates with orslides along electrical busbars which areinsulated from other parts ofthe apparatus,-including theconveyor apparatus. It is no longer necessary'to conduct current throughsteel chains or relatively poor conductors, in that the current may bedirectly carried by short leadmembers which are of highly conductivematerial, such as copper, aluminum, etc. Metal parts used for supportingand conducting current to the work articles can be insulated from thebath bysuitable dielectric sleeves. The efficiency of the overallplating operation is increased, current is conserved, and wear and tearon the article-handling and ourrent-conducting portions or"v theapparatus is minimized.

I have also provided an improved electrode readily replaced or rechargedas they are used up-by treating or processing operations. That is, thereverse electrodes can be provided with additional plating metal orelectrode elements,

Without shutting down the apparatus and without partially dismantlingit.

I have provided force-generating means for feeding electrode shapes,elements, portions, or segments and for holding them in close abutment,either by gravity or by kinetic energy. Thus, the feeding orreplenishing operation as to the electrode elements may be effected bypositioning the electrodes on an inclined horizontal plane or byemploying pneumatic, hydraulic, spring, or other suitable force-applyingmeans to advance and hold their segments or elements in a properposition with respect to each other. That is, the electrode support orhousing can be shaped and positioned in a manner most suitable foreffective current distribution. In this connection, suitable discs,balls, quoits, flat-tops, dumbbells, cone shapes, or suitable anodeplating material can be supplied to the electrode as the need arises,and thus, as they are used up by the electrolytic treating operation.Although conventional slab electrodes can be used, I prefer to employsomewhat flexible electrodes for this purpose. Such shapes can, inaccordance with my invention, also be employed for electrodes that arelocated underneath the work articles or pieces. The feeding of newpieces of fresh metal may be effected and a positive contact between theshapes may be maintained, regardless of whether the electrodes arepositioned on a horizontal, vertical, or an inclined plane. Theelectrode shapes can be dropped into an electrode housing or containerfrom above the level of the bath solution, regardless of whether a feedend of the electrode is mounted above or below the level of the bath.They are then forced along the support member or housing by their owngravitational force alone, or by an added weight, by spring tension,hydraulic or pneumatic pressure alone, or in combination withgravitational force.

The electrode or anode housing, container or support provides acontinuous line of electrode or anode shapes along the desired length ofthe electrode which can be readily placed at a suitable location formost efficient electrolytic action and, as previously pointed out, canbe kept in a fully charged relationship by adding additional shapesthereto, as needed.

It has thus been an object of my invention to provide new and improvedprocedure for electrolytically treating work articles;

Another object has been to eliminate the disadvantageous features ofprior art procedures and constructions by finding a practical solutionto the problems involved;

A further object of my invention has been to broaden the scope ofefficient utilization of electrolytic treating procedure, andparticularly, from the standpoint of shapes having a greater length orextent;

A still further object has been to devise improved apparatus forhandling or advancing articles through a treatment bath;

A still further object has been to provide new and improved forms ofelectrode constructions '6 and arrangements for electrolyticallytreating articles during their movement through a bath;

These and many other objects of my invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the illustrated embodiments thereof.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section taken on the line I-I of Figure 2;upper and lower electrodes are shown diagrammatically in outline;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1; in this view,the bath electrodes have been omitted;

Figure 3 is a transverse section looking towards a front end of theapparatus and taken along the line III--III of Figure 1;

Figure 3A is an enlarged detail showing a method of insulating andmounting bus bar hangers on structural support members, see theembodiment of my invention shown for example in Figure 3;

Figure 3B is an enlarged sectional detail taken on the line IIlB-IIIB ofFigure 3;

Figure 4 is a front end sectional detail in elevation showing means foropening the work article contactors or holding fingers to pick up anarticle at the front end of the treating apparatus and is taken alongthe line IVIV of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a top sectional detail taken at the front end of theapparatus arrangement of Figure 1 and along the line VV of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a vertical end section taken along the line VI-VI of Figure5; the view shows the movement of work article-carrying arms inconjunction with cam members and an article B;

Figure 7 is a back end vertical section showing means for releasing thearticles being treated at the delivery or back end of the apparatus andis taken along the line VIIVII of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a horizontal plan section taken below the conveyor apparatusof Figure 1 and along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is an enlarged vertical sectional detail showing how pairs ofarticle carrying arms are electrically connected to the bus bars forproviding an efficient and continuous flow of current to the arms, whilethey are being advanced through the treatment bath by the conveyor; thisfigure is taken along the line IX--IX of Figure 10;

Figure 10 is an enlarged sectional detail taken along the line X--X ofFigure 9;

Figure 11 is a somewhat diagrammatic end view in elevation showingelectrical features or connections for the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 12 is an enlarged view in elevation, taken endwise of theapparatus of Figure 1 and illustrating a form of upper electrode orelectrode holder;

Figure 13 is an enlarged side view in elevation of a lower electrode orelectrode holder, taken endwise of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 14 is a still more enlarged fragmental detail, taken from one endof the electrodes of Figures 12 and 13 and illustrating a dielectricsleeve for protecting drop supports or connections from the electrolyticbath;

Figure 15 is an enlarged end view taken from the right hand side of theelectrode or holder of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is an enlarged side view similar to Figure 12 and illustratinga modified form of electrode;

Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 12, but illustrating another formof electrode;

Figure 18 is a greatly enlarged perspective view ae'oigtea showing "a'doughnutior fiat disc :type :of electrode shape which mayb'eiemployedinconnection with the electrode embodiments :shown inxFigures 19 r and 20;

And, Figures 19 and .20- are enlarged side views in elevation of furtherforms 'ofielectrode= constructions that maybe :u'tilized :in accordancewith my invention.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, #I have shownan apparatusarrangement and suitable'electrical .connectionsxforelectrolytically treating work articles, such as metal tubing. The workarticle :to beitreated are represented vby capitalized, :alphabeticaldesignations. I have shown a series so'f :work

articles designated A, =B,1C, E;..etc., being :fedito a iront end of a"conveyor of theitreating apparatus by means of a pair oftransverselyespacedsapart, article-holding chains 2 Ta .andi'z'lb TOf9.3. ,zdelivery conveyor mechanism. After the treatment I013- eration,the articlesindicated A. :B','iC, :etc, .are progressively discharged.'-up0n a delivery guide table 65, and thence, tocalconveyormechanismwhich mayv beemployed'to: move'thearticlesprogressively "throughsuitable z-washing, :rinsing, or other processingba'th's 85 and 1:85.The entire layout may be driven .in .synchronism, for example, by asingle motor 110, see :Figure .2.

The delivery'mechanism is; provided, as shown particularly in Figures:1, 2., and-5, with a :pair of oppositely-"spacedeapart, upright supportmembers 2| of angular shape. :Backflange portions'of the upright members:2! are welded or secured to the transverse angle iniembers tl, and ,1sideyfiange' portions thereof are welded at .24,t

a pair of oppositely-positioned, longitudinallyextending, curved,retaininggu-ide members .22, see Figures 1 and 5.

Referring;particularly'to Figure;2:, atmotor ID is mounted onanextending support member I I which is secured to the-structure ofthereontainer 1 and additionally mounts .a speed reduction unit [2. :Thespeedreductionunit i2 is driven by themotor H), and .in turn, actuates ato drive a sprocket wheel 1:8 throughsa. chain H. The sprocket wheel [8.is secured onaudeliveryconveyor driving .shaft 19. 'The shaft I9 isjournaled-adjacent its opposite ends. within bearings 20 which aremounted on the upright members 2t.

As shown particularly Figures I and- 5, ra pair of spaced-apartconveyor-chain-mounting wheels 25a and 25b which-carrry chain sprockets26a and 216b,;are secured-onthe-drive 'shaftifl =tor actuation thereby..It? will thus :be-apparent v paratus.

.bus bar.

I that workarticles .A, B C,;etc.,'.will:beradvanced progressivelytowards the .;front lendwof the treating bath by ::apparatus link.1chain5 lzfla and .2 lb

and .under the :.retaining .guide members 212.

:AS shown in.;-Figure 1, theworkarticles restzin outwardly-concave,slotted rmembers of the chains 21a and 1271) and vextend :thereacross,see particularly" Figure ,5.

After a work article has :reached {the :1 position indicated by'thearticle B of Figure .1, then means is provided for gripping zthezarticleadiacentits opposite ends to :advance it along theinside of thevbathcontainer ;1'. Asvshowmparticularly in Figures ,4 and- 5, acontinuous conveyor apparatus is positionedabovewthescontainer 1=for;progressively advancing the articles longitudinally therealong. Invthis co nnection, it .will be-seen particularly from; Figures 2 and. 3,that -therexare two -transversely-spaced+apart conveyors which are tconnected together for simultaneous -:operation .and whichextend alongopposite sides of the container]. Due to the similarityof thesetwo-conveyors l ha veused thesame numbersto designatethem. The-pair ofconveyors aredrivon by the primary-drive shaft 14' through the agency of.a .pair of oppositely-positioned, chain sprocket wheels 40 whicharesecured on the shaft 14 for rotation therewith.

.I .have shown, see Figure l.. three secondary drive shaftstl 4,, H, and14'' located inla somewhat rectangular relationship with .respect toprimary drive shaft 14 which with the shaft 14 support anddrive a .pairof transversely-spacedapart conveyor chains .4 l. Each of these'threeshafts is provided with. apair of sprocket wheels which are.shownpositioned. on .common .vertical planes taken along opposite sidesof..the conve'yor. That. is, the sprocket wheel .pairs :40, 40", and40", like .the sprocket wheel '40, are secured .to their respectiveshafts 142.14" and 4' for rotation therewith. andlfor common factuationb'yfthe primary driveshaftll 4, its. sprocket wheel!!!) and the pair ofchains-M -As disclosed in .Figures 11 2,3, .9, an'd.10,.each chain H.has

"interfitting connector linked? and I3 that .are pivotally connected".bylp'ins 144. .As ,shownparticularly in Figures 1'9 and Il'JO, .thepivot .pins 44 carry chain rollers that also i-hold' thecontainerllinks-d'z and 43in a suitably .spacedrlationship with respectto each other. Spaced links 43 carry article-carrying arms ISOI'thataresecurelyim'ounte'd thereon to extend therefrom by dielectricconnectorjp'iec'es 16 which insulate the current carrying arms5ll'fromithe conveyorap- Each piece 46 is secured adjacent one end'tothe link43 by dowel or rivet .pins d'l and adjacent its other end uponamount portion 4 9 ofthe armmembertu by "dowel o'rtrivetpins 48.

The arms '50,.a's.shownparticularly in Figure 9,, :are provided with acentral bodiportion .5l having a somewhat circular bore '52 "to'slidably receive a continuousibus 1bar..60.,-.principally of circularcrossjsecti'on and havinga vrib, track, or guideaportion- 59d ofrectangular section, see Figure I for longitudinal. elevation.ofcomplete .It. will benotedthat the-..surface of the boron. isro'ffsetatl5'2a along. ama-jorrportion .of its length with respectto portionsofthe-cirarea is minimized and an -efiicient e1ectrica;l contactismaintained. track or..rib. ifliaalso .angle.

9. holds the arms 50 against lateral movement. That is, arms 50 can notrotate on bus bar 60. The work article carrying arms 50 are adapted tobe moved by chains 4| along the pair of bus bars 60 with a wiping jointaction. The clearance provided at 52 prevents binding when member 5|passes along a curved part of bus bar 65.

The body portion 5| of each arm member 50 is provided with anoutwardly-projecting portion 53 integral therewith upon which anextension arm member 55 is securely and rigidly mounted by dowel orrivet pins 54, see Figures 9 and 10. The extension arm members 55, asshown particularly in Figure 3, are adapted to extend below the level ofthe bath, as indicated. by a transverse, horizontal, dotted line of thefigure. Thus, it may be desirable, as shown in Figure 9, to provide eachof the extension arm members 55 with a dielectric sleeve, insulation, orplastic coating 58 along its length. I also prefer to provide a hard,wear-resistant sleeve 59 which is contacted by cams 32 and H forspreading or flexing the extension arms 55 adjacent front and back endsof the apparatus to progressively pick up work articles at the front endand to progressively discharge work articles at the back or delivery endthereof. The sleeve 59 may be of metal if the dielectric sleeve 58 isused, or if desired, may be of a hard, wear resistant dielectricmaterial, such as hard rubber or plastic. A suitabletransversely-extending finger 51 is rigidly secured to extend from anend portion of each arm extension member 55 as by a pin or rivet portion56 which is integral with the finger 5'! and which provides a secure andrigid electrical contact with the metal of the arm 55, and thus with oneof the pair of electrical bus bars 60.

Each work article, A, B, etc., rests upon an oppositely-aligned pairs.offingers 51, adjacent opposite ends of its length, while it is beingmoved in a transverse position longitudinally along the container 1 bythe pair of spaced-apart, sidepositioned, continuous chains 4|.Regardless of whether or not a dielectric sleeve 58 is used, I prefer toprovide a contact sleeve 59, not only to serve as a wear-resistantsurface, but also, as a dielectric sleeve to insulate each currentcarrying extension arm member 55 from the other metallic parts includingthe opening cams 32 and TI.

In Figures 4, 5, and 6, I have shown mechanisms for spreading apart orflexing the arm members 55 which are preferably of spring metalconstruction. When as shown in Figure 1, a particular work article isdelivered to the position of the article C by the conveying chains 21aand 21b, the movement of the bath conveyor causes one pair of armextension members 55 to be flexed outwardly by a stationary cammechanism. The mechanism has a front, transversely-extending, face plateportion 30 which has a somewhat angular-shaped top portion 3| (seeFigure 1) which may in turn be welded to the retaining guide members 22'of the chain conveying system 2111 and 21b. The members 30-3l may beformed by bending a plate or As shown particularly in Figures 4 and 6,cams 32a and 32b are mounted on the face plate member 30 by threadedadjustment bolts 33. The cam members 32 are bifurcated or slotted toreceive the bolts 33 and to permit their horizontal adjustment along theface plate member 30. Once a proper adjustment has been made, theoppositely-spaced-apart cams 32aand 321) are secured by tightening thebolts 33, Each 10 of the cams is provided with a downwardly andoutwardly projecting cam surface 34, when the movement of the conveyor4| is in a clockwise direction, as shown in Figure 1.

It will be apparent from a comparison of Figures l, 5, and 6, that thecam surfaces 34 spread or fiex the extending arm members 55 to positionsindicated by the dotted lines of Figure 5 (see also the diagrammaticview of Figure 6) to open them to receive a Work article, such as B ofFigure l. The extending arm members 55 are automatically closed orreturned to their original full-line positions of Figure 5 after the camcontact portions 59 have ridden over the full extent of the cam surfaces34. The work article, such as A of Figure 1, then falls upon the fingersor contactor pins 51 and rests thereupon during movement through thecontainer 1.

To deliver work articles, such as A of Figure 1 at the back or deliveryend of the apparatus and after the treating operation, a somewhatsimilar form of cam mechanism is provided to again spread the extendingarm members 55 apartto release a treated work article as it is beingraised from the container 1 by its conveyor.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 and '7, a face plate member 10 isbolted at its opposite ends to a pair of vertically-extending structuralchannel members 9 that are secured to the container member I by thetransverse angle members 8. A pair of cams 1 la and II b are adjustablymounted adjacent opposite ends of the member 70 and are bifurcated orslotted to receive threaded bolts 12 in a manner similar to the cams 32aand 32b of the front mechanism. Also in a like manner, the cams Ha andNb are provided with cam faces 13 which by reason of the direction ofrotation of the conveyor ll, incline upwardly and outwardly, as shown inFigure '7, to engage the contacting wear portions 59 of the extendingarm members 55 and to move their fingers 51 out of engagement with thework article A which is to be discharged to a suitable conveyingmechanism or system which will be herein described.

As shown particularly in Figures 1 and 2, a drive shaft IQ for thedelivery conveying mechanism is journaled in bearings 20 which arebolted to the upright channels 9 and to the face plate member 10 of thecam mechanism. A sprocket wheel 18' secured onone end of the shaft IQfor rctationtherewith is driven by a chain ll and a chain sprocket IEwhich is secured on the end of one of the secondary drive shafts M. Theshaft l9 also carries a pair of spaced-apart finger wheels 74, seeFigures 1 and 2, which are secured thereon in "a transverselyspaced-apart relationship to periodically receive an article, such-as Aor B, etc., from the conveyor of the treating bath apparatus after apair of conveyor arms 50 and their fingers 51 have released the workarticle. A backwardly-extending guide bracket member 65 is secured upona back wall of the container I and is provided with a top guide plate 61and a lower guide plate 58 (see Figure 1), to guide a Work article whenit is discharged from the finger wheels l4 upon a delivery conveyingmechanism. In this connection, see the tubular work article shownbetween the guide plates 61 and 68 by dot and dash lines, and the dottedarrow showing the direction of the travel of the work article.

By way of illustration, I have shown processing bath containers and 85through which the delivery conveying system or mechanism may move thetreated work articles. This conveying (see Figure 2) that is securedonthe end of elements or carriers82 int'o which a work-article"- The isdelivered from the guide member: 66-; work articles may be carried fromthe bath 85 to the bath 86 and'deliveredfto' a2 stock pile or tofurther'treating'apparatus'. IniFigurel', the conveyor chains -8 I areconstructed and arranged to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. The

upper sprocket pairs 80, 88;", etc:, are-provided with secondarysprocket pairs-80a" and 80-11 for receiving an endlessd-rive chain 83whlchper units a sag of the-conveyor: chains 8i into the containers B5and 86;-

Referring' particularly to Figuresl and2; the treatment bathconveyorcliain sprocket wheels- 'li), l0, 4'0"and. are positioned by asub.

stantially rectangular supportfiame which comprises, upright channelmembers Ed" on opposite sides of the apparatus and'longitudinally-extending channel members e whi'ch arewelded or securedto the upper ends of thespaced-apart channel members Bdand'toI -beamcolumns 9' to extend along each side of" the apparatuszTransversely-extending channel members 9b are secured to the columnmembers 9' and some are, as shown in Figure 2; secured to the'members'fie to support or carry a pair of upper channel or guide members 9gwhich prevent'sagging-of the conveyor chains 4| during the upper phaseof their movement between theupper" sprockets it" and 40", see Figure3;

As shown particularly in Figures'l, 3', 8 andll,

the treating apparatus is provided with electrodes such as anodes; whichare electrically connected to bus'bars 95, 95; and BT01? opposite.potential to thebus bars fifl for'the-work articles: Upper electrodes H3are mounted to extend transversely of the container T and inalongitudinally-spaced apart relationship With respectto each other abovea work-article; such-as F of Figure 3, which isbeing, moved through thetreatment bath. A series. of" lower" electrodes l2l are also positionedto extend transversely "of the container I. and in a'longitudinally-spacedapart relationshipv with respect to" each otherwithin a lower portion of the treatment bath and in a staggeredrelationship with-respect to the upper electrodes H3, see Figure" 8; Itwill be apparent that the upper; and lower electrodes are positioned on.opposite sides-of the work articles, that are being processed to, asshown in Figurev 11, provide a highly eiiicient electrolytic action.

As shownparticularly'in Figures 1', 2, and 11, A. 0. current may beemployed-to drive a motor generator 90 and9l to, provide D. C: currentfor the electrolytic bath. A rheostat 93 maybe em.- ployed to adjust thecurrent value andis' shown connected in a positive potential-line 94; Anegative potential line 921mm" the generator-9i is" Any suitable numberof? sprockets and connected tov the pair ofi oppositely-positionedbusbars 60' which supply: current tolthe articlecarrying armsi of thetreatment bath conveyor.

As shown particularly in Figures 9 and 10, each bus bar fill ismountedby angle members BI at suitably-spaced locations therealong; Eachangle member '61 is brazed at its: upper end portion 62' to one'ofthepairof bus" bars 60. Each angle member 61 has an integral foot or, lowerend portion- 63? that is; drilled out to receive a mounting bolt 65;This" mounting bolt 65: is provided with I washers 65a:- and extendsthrough the portion 6-3 ofthebus bar mounting element 6|, throughafeederbus-barsuchas= 90, through an insulatorblock Elli; and through anupper flange portion of an' upper angle member 8 of the container 1;see-a'lso Figurefi'. A dielectric sleeve--64 mounted on the-bolt 65- andprovided with dielectricwashers 64a; serves to insulate the bolt fromthe metal structure of'theapparatus including the" container-*1.Themounts 6| are spaced'along-thelower extent of the pair of bus barsanda: similar mounting Iil' is spaced along-theupper-extent of'the pairto secure them onthe transversely-extending"-structural members-9b, seeFigure 3';

Referring to Figures 1; 2, 3,8; and 11, I have also shownairameforsupportingthe bus bars 95, 96; and 97 for the upper and lowerelectrodes H3" and [2h The line 93"from themotorgenerator 91 or' theD.C. source is connected to the busbars 95, 96; andlll which'supplycurrent to such electrodes;-

extending, strap-like top members I00 and vertically extending and,transversely spaced-apart side strap-like drop-membersl I06- and I01, aswell asan intermediate vertical; strap-like drop member: I09; Apluralityoffthesemembers are spaced longitudinallyalong the apparatus,see Figure 11 It will be: noted: that these members are located; insideof the spacing; defined by the conveyor-chains and: do not interfere inany way with the operation of" carrying; the articles through thetreatment bath, see Figures 1 and 8,

orwith the operation; of filling" or refilling the electrodes H3 and I2I.

The bus bar I05, seelFigure 3,is centrally secured on suspended from alower flange of the transverse, structural members-9b.: and to effectthis result; bolts: H18 and; an insulating connection is employed,seeFigure 3B; The insulation of the mounting is similar to that shown'inFigure 9lzfor-the bus bar ill.

The, upper ends of thezside conducting member pairs. I06; and; I01areesecuredi by bolts luau tostrap member will; tandhthelower ends, ofthe strapmembers. I06 and, I01 are securedto lower transverse structuralmembers=9a of the structural framework-by mounts illustratedin Figure3A. Hangers l l lzfor the'bus barsSS, 96; and 91; see Figure3A,,,arez=provided-twith a-threaded upper end which; is adaptedtoreceive mounting nuts msto: secure: thevertical. strap members, such;as: 106, I 0.1: and; H19; andlto electrically connect'them:tothezhangersi'l H. It will be noted that dielectric sleevesrllll;similar to the sleeve 64 describediin connection with the arrangement ofFigure 9, insulates these" current-carrying members from the structuralmembers 9a The lower-orhook endiportions'ofeachhanger Ill maybe securedor brazed to provide a suitable The electrical" distribution to Ibusbars"95, 96'; and BIi's'efiectedby main bus bar Hi5 (see particularlyFigure 3) transversely-' electrical connection with the bus bars 95, 96,or

Referring particularly to Figure 12, it will be seen that the upperelectrodes I I3 are secured at their opposite ends on bus bars 96 and 91by vertical extension hangers I I2 and I I4 which are integral with asubstantially transversely-extending support piece or member H3a. Aconvoluted, open-network, spring-like member H5 is secured or welded onone side to the member H311 to form a housing for electrode elements,such as balls H6, see Figure 3. It will be noted in Figures 3 and 11that the balls I I6 which may be of anode metal for an electroplatingoperation, extend along their housing in a closely abutting andcontacting relationship with respect to the housing and respect to eachother. The outer open ends of the housing of the electrode H3 preferablyextends slightly above the fluid level of the bath, see the dotted lineof Figure 3, so that the additional electrode elements H6 may be addedas needed, see Figure 8, from above the bath. The opposite or lower endof the electrode H3 converges or is provided with a stop portion for theshapes or elements, such as H6.

Referring particularly to Figures l3, l4, and 15, the lower electrodes I2| are hung by vertical extension hangers I20 from the bus bars 95. Thehanger I20 is integral with a transversely-extending support member I2Idwhich is shown provided with a collar I23 at its other end and aperforated funnel I24 secured thereto or formed as an integral partthereof. An opennetwork, spring-like portion or housing member I22converges or is closed by a stop portion adjacent the hanger I20 at itslower end and is open at its upper end adjacent the collar I23 toreceive electrode elements introduced into the funnel-like, perforatedportion or member I24. The higher end of the electrode I2I is supportedfrom the floor of the container I by a vertical framework I25, seeparticularly Figure 15, which at its upper end is welded or secured tothe collar I23 and at its lower end is secured in dielectric mounts I26that extend from the bottom of the container I. Although the perforatedfunnelshaped portion or member I24 of the lower electrode I2! is shownpositioned below the level of the bath, additional or replacementelectrode elements such as H6, may be dropped into it through and fromthe top of the bath, as indicated particularly in Figure 8.

In Figures 16, 1'7, 18, 19 and 20, I have shown modified forms ofelectrodes. In figure 16, an electrode I35 (which may be a lowerelectrode) is of a somewhat similar construction to the electrode I2I ofFigure 14, except that its hanger I30 is threaded along its length toreceive a wing nut I34 and is secured to a collar I3I which forms ahousing for a tension spring I32. The extending support portion ormember I35a is of rod-like form and is threaded at its upper end to alsoreceive a wing nut I34. Wing nuts I34 are employed to hold down apositioning plate I33 which may be adjusted to provide a desired degreeof tension or spring force upon the balls H6. To add additional ballsH6, the wing nut I34 on the member or portion I 35a is removed and theplate I33 is swung about the hanger I30, in order that the spring I32may be removed.

In Figure 1'7, I have shown a modified form of balls I I6 along thehorizontal extent of the electrode housing. The weight I36 is providedwith a hook I31, in order that it can be lifted out of the collar I3I'to insert additional electrode elements H6 therein. In the embodiment ofFigures 16 and 1'7, the upper ends of the electrodes preferably extendabove the level of the fluid in the container and their housings I22 maybe of similar construction to the housing I22 of the embodiment ofFigure 13.

In Figures 19 and 20, I have shown modified forms of electrodes forutilizing a different type of electrode element, such as II 6 of Figure18. The elements II 6 are of a somewhat doughnut or flat-circular shape,and thus, can be slidably mounted on rod members.

In Figure 19, I have shown the electrode IZI as being hung at one end bya hanger I50 that is secured to a collar I5I. The support I25 for theother end of the electrode has a rodlike member I53 secured thereto andextending substantially centrally along the inside of the housing I22 ofthe electrode. The upper end of the rod I53 is threaded to receive awing nut I54, and also receives a plate I55 and a tension spring I56.The wing nut, plate I55, and spring I56 are removed to add additionalelectrode elements H6.

The embodiment of Figure 20 is constructed somewhat similar to that offigure 19, except that the housing I22 is omitted and the electrodes arecarried entirely by a hanger rod I50. The hanger rod I50 is threadedintermediate its ends to receive a wing nut I54, and also receivespositioning plates I55a and IE5?) and a tension spring I56. The hangerrod I50 extends the full length of the electrode and is securely mountedupon the member I 25 that also provides an abutment end or stop for theelectrode elements I I6.

What I claim is:

1. In an apparatus for electrolytically treating and advancing a seriesof work articles in a transversely-horizontally extending relationshiplongitudinally along and within a longitudinal tank having a treatmentsolution therein, wherein a frame structure is positioned to extendlongitudinally along and above the tank, an upper set and a lower set oftransversely-horizontally extending electrodes are positioned within andalong the tank, and the upper and lower sets of electrodes are in avertically spaced-apart relationship to define a longitudinal path ofmovement for the work articles therebetween along the tank, thecombination of a pair of vertically spaced-apart upper and lower shaftsoperatively mounted on one longitudinal end of the frame structure toextend transversely thereacross, a second pair of verticallyspaced-apart upper and lower shafts operatively mounted on an oppositelongitudinal end of the frame structure to extend transverselythereacross, the lower shafts of said pairs being mounted adjacent a topportion of the tank and. above the treatment solution therein; a pair ofinner and outer longitudinally-extending bus bars along one longitudinalside of the tank and a similar pair along an opposite longitudinal sideof the tank, means suspending the outer bus bars of said pairs from theframe structure closely adjacent to and transversely between verticalplanes representing longitudinal side walls of the tank, meanssuspending the inner bus bar of each of said pairs in atransversely-inwardly spaced relationship with respect to the outer busbar of the same. pair, outer hangers: projecting downwardly from' saidouterbusbars and connected toouterv ends of? the lower setof electrodes,inner hangcrsspaced. transversely inwardly from said outer hangers andprojectingdownwardly from said inner bus: bars and connected'to outerends of the upper set of electrodes; a. pair of chain sprockets mountedin a transversely spacedapart relationship on each. of" said. shafts,one sprocket of each of said: pairs being positioned in a vertical.plane that represents transverse spacing between said' inner and: outerhangers and between the inner and outer bus bars. of one. of said pairs,the other sprocket of each of said: pairs being. positioned in; avertical plane that represents transverse spacing between said inner andouter hangersv andbetweeni the inner and outer'bus bars of the other ofsaid pairs; a conveyor chain meshing. with one chain sprocket ofl eachof said pairs and a second conveyor chain meshing with the other chainsprocket of eachof said pairs said lower shafts and their associatedsprockets defining a lower flight of said conveyor chains. and saidupper shaftsand their associated sprocket pairs de fining an upperflightof' said conveyor chains; the'upper an'd'lower shafts of eachof'said pairs and their associated sprocket pairs defining vertical.flights. of" said conveyor chains; means for actuating at: least one ofsaid chain sprocket pairs; a pair of continuous bus bar loops, meanspositioning: one" of said bus bar loops along one longitudinal side: ofthe frame structure and about one of: said conveyor chains, meanspositioning the other of said bus bar loops along an oppositelongitudinal. side of the frame structure: and about. the other of saidconveyor chains; a seriesofwork-holding'armpairs; one arm of each ofsaid arm pairs being carried by one of said conveyor chains to projectvertically-outwardly therefrom, the other arm of each of said arm pairsbeing carried by the other of said conveyor chains to projectvertically-outwardly therefrom in transverse alignment with the otherarm of the same pair and carry a transversely-extending work articletherewith, a slide bore portion on each of said work-holding arms, theslide bore portion of one'work-holding arm of each of said pairs beingslidably'clamped on one bus bar loop of said pair of bus bar loops formovement therealong and the slide bore portion of the other workholdingarm of each of said pairs being slidably clamped on the other" bus barloop of said pair of bus bar loops for movement therealong, and the armsof said arm pairs carried by the lower flight of said conveyor chainsprojecting downwardly into the tank along the vertical planes thatrepresent transverse, spacing between said innerand outer hangers andbetween said pairs of inner'andouterbus'bars to support and moveholding. arms along the. other vertical flight of said conveyor chains;said actuating means being connected to move said first and secondmentioned conveyor mechanisms in synchronism with said conveyor chains;a pair of transversely spaced-apart cams mounted on the one longitudinalend of the frame structure in the path of movement of the work-holdingarm pairs carried by the one vertical flight of said conveyor chains toflex said arm pairs outwardly to receive a work article from saidfirst-mentioned conveyor mechanism, and a similar pair of cams'mounted'0n the opposite longitudinal end of the frame structure in the path ofmovement of the work-holding arm pairs carried by the other verticalflight of said conveyor chains to flex each of said arm pairs outwardlyand discharge a work article to. said second-mentioned conveyormechanism.

3. In an apparatus for electrolytically treating" and advancing a seriesof work articles in a transversely-horizontally extending relationshiplongitudinally along and within a longitudinal tank having a treatmentsolution therein,

wherein a frame structure is positioned to extend longitudinally alongand above the tank and electrodes are positioned within and along thetank to define a-longitudinal. path of move.- ment for the work articlesalong the tank, the

- combination of a pair of continuous conveyor mounted on one conveyorchain and the other arm mounted on the other conveyor chain in atransversely-horizontallyspaced-apart and aligned. relationship withrespect to each other, each arm of each of said arm pairs having avertically-outwardly extending flexible portion, each of said extendingflexible portions of each arm pair having a pin to engage an end portionof a work article and support the Work article transversely-horizontallybetween the arms'of said arm pair; a continuous bus bar loop carried bythe frame structure along a longitudinal side thereof and extendingabout one of said conveyor chains and a second continuous bus bar loopcarried bythe frame structure along an opposite longitudinal sidethereof and extending about the other of said conveyor chains; one armof each of said work-holding arm pairs having a slotted clamping contactportion operativelymounted for continuous sliding contacting movementalong one of said bus bar loops-and the other arm of each of said armpairs having a slotted clamping contact portion operatively mounted forsliding contact movement alongthe other of said bus bar loops; and"actuating: means operatively connected to said conveyor chains formoving them: in synchronism with each other.

4'. In an apparatus for electrolytically treating. and advancing" aseries ofwork articles in a transversely-horizontally extendingrelation-- ship longitudinally along and within. a longitudinal tankhaving a treatment solution therein, wherein a frame structure ispositioned to extend longitudinally along and above the tank andelectrodes are positioned within and along the tank to define alongitudinal path of move-- ment for'the workarticles along the tank;the combination of a. continuous conveyor mechanism: operatively"positionedabove and longiarms carried by said conveyor apparatus in alongitudinally spaced-apart progression therealong and extendingvertically outwardly from said conveyor mechanism, the work-holding armsof each of said pairs being in a transversely-horizontally spaced-apartrelationship with respect to each other to carry a work articletherebetween, said conveyor mechanism having a lower flight adjacent toand longitudinally along an upper portion of the tank, the work holdingarm pairs of said lower flight projecting downwardly into the tank; atleast one continuous bus bar loop mounted on the frame structure andextending about said conveyor mechanism; and a work-holding arm of eachof said pairs having a slotted clamping-contact portion slidably mountedon said bus bar loop for continuous contacting movement therealongduring the continuous movement of said conveyor mechanism.

5. In an apparatus for electrolytically treating and advancing a seriesof work articles in a transversely-horizonta11y extending relationshiplongitudinally along and within a longitudinal tank having a treatmentsolution therein, wherein a frame structure is positioned to extendlongitudinally along and above the tank, an upper and lower series oftransversely-horizontally extending electrodes are positioned within andalong the tank, and the upper and lower series of electrodes are in avertically spaced-apart relationship to define a longitudinal path ofmovement for the work articles along the tank, the combination of a pairof verticallyoutwardly projecting supporting arm pairs for each workarticle, the arms of each of said arm pairs being in atransversely-horizontally opposed and spaced-apart relationship withrespect to each other to support ends of a work article therebetween, acontinuous chain mechanism operatively carried by the frame structureabove the tank and having a lower flight carrying said arm pairs and thework articles supported thereby in series progression within the tankand along the longitudinal path of movement between the upper and lowerseries of electrodes, means protecting said arm pairs from the treatingsolution of the tank, means continuously applying electric current ofone potential through the arms of said arm pairs internally within thesupported ends of each Work article, outer hangers extendingverticallydownwardly from the frame structure in atransversely-outwardly spaced-apart relationship with respect to thearms of said arm pairs and into the tank, said outer hangers beingconnected to the lower series of electrodes to supply electric currentof opposite potential thereto; inner hangers extendingverticallydownwardly from the frame structure in a transversely-inwardlyspaced-apart relationship with respect to the arms of said arm pairs andinto the tank, said inner hangers being connected to the upper series ofelectrodes tosupply the current of opposite potential thereto; thetransversely spaced-apart relationship of said outer and inner hangerswith the arms of said arm pairs providing an unobstructed vertical pathfor movement of said arm pairs.

LESLIE E LANCY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 986,303 Miller Mar. 7, 19111,168,281 Buch Jan. 18, 1916 1,336,052 Pinger Apr. 6, 1920 1,765,706Stewart et al June 24, 1930 1,789,596 Potthoff Jan. 20, 1931 1,868,052Dubpernell July 19, 1932 2,428,141 Burkhardt Sept. 30, 1947 FOREIGNPATENTS Number Country Date 471,260 Germany Feb. 7, 1929

